Whet Your Appetite for Joy with a Dash of Self-Acceptance and a Side Order of Gratitude

Subtlety, without notice, the world dictates our happiness, and unknowingly we submit to it. We work the 60-hour workweek to maintain the lifestyle deemed as “the fabulous life.” We stay at the job that starves our soul, yet fattens our bank account. Or, we spend way beyond our means for appearance sake. In our quest to attain the things designated as happiness cures, joy and peace continue to elude us.

I have spent several years searching for the next big thing and “making things happen.” Things happened, but not always for the best. I tried to do things within my own will and when left to my own devices, life crumbled. Conforming to the ways of society had left me destitute and spiritually malnourished.

Then I began doing some intense spiritual investigation. I devoured every spiritual text I could get my hands on: “A Course of Miracles,” the Holy Bible and “Awakening the Buddha Within” by Lama Surya Das. I also started meditating, attending church, and reading the Bible on a daily basis. Suddenly it hit me: everything that we’re seeking is already here. Happiness is a choice not a reward, and at any moment, we have the power to shift our perception of the world around us.

Of course, this is easier said than done, so here are a couple of tips that I’ve found useful:

1. Listen to inspirational audio for at least 30-minutes every day. No matter how wretched you may feel, listening to inspiring words every morning is a guaranteed mood booster. Check out MorningCoach.com and IMCW:Tara Brach on iTunes.

2. Write in a journal. Journal writing is one of the best ways to process your emotions. Whether you’re angry, sad, bored or frustrated, take a few moments to rant and rave in a journal; it’s like therapy for the soul.

3. Just dance. Every disappointment or heartbreak is just another opportunity for you to kick off your heels and dance. So, turn on your favorite tunes and get your groove on. My tunes of choice are “So What” by Pink, “Pleasure Principle” by Janet Jackson and “Happy” by Natasha Bedingfield.

5. Pray. There’s nothing like a little God-talk to bring things back into perspective. Let Him be your confidante and listen closely for the answer to your most-pressing issues.

6. Be Grateful. Okay. You may not be a size 2 or working at your dream job, but think about all the wonderful things that you do have. Maybe you have an amazing family or an awesome friend who is always by your side. The point is to remain focused on the little things, no matter how insignificant they may seem.